Family
Court Evaluator
Family Court Evaluator
Louis Bates, Ph.D.
Custody Evaluator and Guardianship Investigator
Mendocino County Courthouse, Room 212
100 North State Street
Ukiah, CA 95482
Telephone Number:
(707) 463-4484 extension 4
A judge may appoint the Family Court Evaluator to examine two different
situations:
1. When someone applies for guardianship of a minor.
2. When parents are struggling over custody and visitation issues.
What is a Guardianship Investigation?
In Guardianship cases, the Evaluator is appointed by the Judge to
meet the potential guardian, to investigate the home, determine if the
residence meets the needs of the child, and find out if anyone objects
to the proposed Guardianship. If there are objectors, then the
evaluator talks with them and determines the reasons for their
objections. After the interviews and background checks are
completed, the Evaluator prepares and submits a report to the Court
and the parties involved in the case. The report assesses the
situation and makes recommendations to the Judge regarding specific
issues in that case.
What is a Custody Evaluation?
A Custody Evaluation is an examination of the dynamics and issues
impacting a family which are preventing custody and visitation issues
from being resolved between the parents. This is an extensive
process and requires the Evaluator to meet with the parties and
contact collateral sources such as teachers, therapists, doctors, or
anyone else who might have insights into the issues and problems of
the family. After a thorough examination of the issues, the
Evaluator prepares a report for the Court and makes recommendations
regarding custody or visitation issues, and takes in to consideration
the child's best interest. These reports may include
recommendations about services the parents might be expected to
complete, and it may identify a timeline for long-term changes.
What do these services cost?
For Guardianship investigations, the applicant will have to pay an
initial filing fee, however, the actual investigation is free of
charge. For Custody Evaluations, there is a fee in addition to
any initial filing fees which the parties might pay. The
Evaluation fee is based on income and ranges from no charge to $1,050
per Evaluation.
How long do these services take?
The length of time it takes to complete each investigation or
evaluation may vary depending on the complexity of the issues, the
proximity of the parties, and people's schedules. However, once
a Guardianship Investigation begins it is likely to be completed in 4
weeks. Once a Custody Evaluation begins, it is likely to be
completed in 6 - 8 weeks.
Who is the Custody Evaluator?
The Custody Evaluator is a trained, experienced and licensed mental
health professional. The Evaluator has experience working with
the Courts and is trained in assessing family issues such as substance
abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, communication skills,
problem solving skills, child and dysfunctional family systems.
The Evaluator is also knowledgeable in the laws governing Family Court
issues community resources.
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